The trees were sent as part of a nation wide effort, which saw an 3,227 tree packs (318,495 trees) sent out across the UK.

Schools were automatically eligible for free packs of 30 trees, in either a 'hedge' or 'copse' theme but could also apply for larger packs.

John Tucker, the Trust’s director of woodland creation, said: "We’re very excited to have given away so many trees this season.

"Planting these free trees will not only help people make their schools and neighbourhoods greener and healthier, it’s also a great chance for people to do something meaningful for their local community, and getting children involved is the perfect way to teach them about their environment.

"Luckily we have been able to make even more tree packs available this autumn, so other groups don’t miss this wonderful opportunity.”

Anyone who missed out this time can still apply for packs up until Thursday, September 4 and they will be delivered this November.

The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with just 13 per cent woodland compared to 44 per cent on the continent, and the Woodland Trust wants to double this by helping people plant trees.